TEDxBozeman 2015

Friday, March 27th

TEDxBozeman 2015

Branching Out

Date: Friday, March 27th 2015

Time: Event from 1:00PM-6:00PM,

Dinner from 6:00PM-8:00PM (MDT)

Place: The Commons at Baxter & Love,

1794 Baxter Lane East, Bozeman MT

TEDxBozeman will be held at The Commons at Baxter and Love on Friday, March 27, 2015 with live-streaming online around the globe. Tickets won't last long to this annual sold-out event. This exciting independently-organized TEDx conference is a day to showcase innovative local presenters and engage the community in stimulating and inspiring dialogues.

All tickets include a T-shirt, gift bag, catered dinner, and a complementary beverage at the mixer.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, February 13th.

As TEDxBozeman enters its fourth year, the all-volunteer team of organizers strives to continually grow and evolve the event both in terms of content and format. This year’s theme of “Branching Out” features individuals who are pushing the boundaries in their respective disciplines and distinguishing themselves as leaders, creators and preeminent thinkers.

The afternoon will be made up of 17 presenters including dance, music, and artistry that will be broken into three different sessions with short breaks in between. Registering 500 people takes time, therefore guests are highly encouraged to show up early to attain the best seat at a table (registration opens at 12:00).Our event is Livestreamed and shown on screens in the lobby. If you should arrive late, we ask that you kindly view from the lobby until doors are opened between presenters. Coffee and snacks will be available, however we recommend eating lunch prior to arriving. Event end time and dinner times are subject to change slightly.

TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently by volunteers, on a community-by-community basis. TEDxBozeman is a non-profit sponsored by local businesses and organizations that share the same beliefs and values as TED. The event is aimed at giving Bozeman’s and Montana's diverse community a platform for sharing their thoughts, ideas and initiatives.

Speakers

TEDxBozeman 2015 Speakers

Anna Baldwin

Anna Baldwin, the 2014 Montana Teacher of the Year, has taught for 16 years on the Flathead Reservation in Western Montana. For four of those years, she had the honor to teach at the tribal alternative school where she learned immeasurably from her colleagues and students about tribal culture. During the remainder, she has served her local community where she teaches high school English and is a literacy coach. In addition, she designed and teaches Native American Studies for the Montana Digital Academy; this online class for high school students is the first of its kind in the nation. She designed and teaches an online class for teachers who want to integrate authentic tribal materials into their classrooms using best practice literacy methods. Finally she also teaches English methods courses as an adjunct at the University of Montana.
Her passions are culturally responsive teaching and mentoring teachers. She is committed to developing cultural understanding and has started a club which partners her students with those in other schools to increase understanding of reservation life.
Anna has won several awards, including the Excellence in Culturally Responsive Teaching award from Teaching Tolerance and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Distinguished Educator award as well as Teacher of the Year. Her husband is a ceramic artist, and her children are her greatest source of pride.

Chris Boyer

Throughout 20 years of flying low and slow throughout the Northern Rockies and coast-to-coast, commercial pilot and aerial photographer Chris Boyer has documented the patterns of landscape change with particular attention to encroachment, pathways, and intersections between contrasting management decisions. His award winning fine art and documentary imagery has appeared in regional and national magazines, museums, galleries and private collections. In addition to his own work, Chris has provided flight services for a wide variety of photographers, journalists, researchers and decision makers.
Chris earned his pilot’s license during a graduate program in Fluvial Geomorphology and after 10 years designing and constructing ecosystem restoration projects Chris sold his company to start Kestrel Aerial Services, Inc. Kestrel offers a wide variety of flight and imaging services to conservation and natural resource projects throughout the Northern Rockies and Great Plains, conducting oblique photography, mapping and hyper-spectral imaging flights, aerial survey and habitat assessments for wildlife and land use projects, and providing an aerial platform for other photographers and researchers.
When not flying professionally, Chris is a frequent and enthusiastic volunteer for Lighthawk and Angel Flight, serving conservation and humanitarian causes. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and his young son, B, on Farm 51 in Bozeman, Montana, where they raise and sell Boer and Nubian goats for meat and dairy.

George Bumann

George Bumann doesn’t mind getting dirt in his clay. As a professional sculptor working in and around Yellowstone National Park, he takes an unconventional approach to his art. Though reared in his mother’s New York sculpture studio, he initially turned his back to the arts to pursue a parallel passion – ecology. Later, living in the fabled Lamar Valley of Yellowstone, he was overcome by the depth of experiences that words could not convey. An effort to communicate the indescribable brought him back to the early lessons of the studio. The tug between art and science, in the end, led him on a very personal journey to unify his two worlds. Through his art, George chases the awe and the mystery of wild places and wild beings in pursuit of a deeper sense of what they mean to us, and more importantly what they reveal about us. When not working in his Montana studio, he may be found modeling clay beside a herd of bison, hiking primordial pathways or scrambling up a tree to avoid an ornery moose.

Bill Clem

As CEO of technology startup KERBSpace, Bill Clem believes that digitally driven interaction will change the way everyone interacts with and discovers within their community. With 25+ years of experience creating useful solutions, Bill has a keen sense for design that is beautiful, yet elegant in its utility and user experience. He has worked in both startups and established companies, and has won numerous awards during his career that highlight his commitment to beautiful design, from consumer to industrial projects. Bill's career includes design projects for global brands such as Nike, Philips, Reebok, Schwinn and yeah, he even worked on Battlestar Galactica branded Theme Park. Yes, he is that cool. Bill holds numerous utility patents. He lives in Bozeman, MT.

Angela Des Jardins

Dr. Angela Des Jardins, a solar physicist by training, is the Director of the Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC), Director of Montana NASA EPSCoR, and current Chair of the NASA EPSCoR Caucus. Montana Space Grant and NASA EPSCoR are programs that work to strengthen education and research in Montana in fields related to aerospace science and engineering. Angela is proud to be a third generation Bozemanite who was able to follow her dreams of working for NASA while staying in Montana. Angela's mission is to use the ability of space to ignite the human sense of wonder; to engage Montana students, teachers and researchers in aerospace activity, capitalizing on our inherent fascination with discovery and exploration to further the drive to achieve great strides in STEM fields; to conduct research in solar astrophysics with an emphasis on student involvement; to cultivate a spirit of service.

Heather Higinbotham

Heather is a Montana girl at heart, passionately working to protect the landscape and communities that inspire and ground her. She holds a Master of Science in Environmental Studies, Alternative Energy and Sustainable Building, from the University of Montana, and a Master in Business Administration, Sustainable Systems, from the Bainbridge Graduate Institute at Pinchot University. She currently serves as the Energy Conservation Technician for the City of Bozeman, MT. Heather is a bridge builder and an eco-warrior, harnessing her insatiable curiosity and the power of community to find collaborative solutions to the region’s greatest environmental, social and economic challenges. She believes in the the inherent goodness of people. Heather is a rekindled poet and musician. She has an intense love affair with learning and more books than she can ever hope to read. Heather loves hot springs, music, playing outdoors, tea, flip flops, sleeping, and adventures with her daughter. She is proud mom and Sherpa to her amazing daughter, Scout. She is deeply grateful for her family, purpose, creativity, and curiosity. She can usually be found trying to make the world a better place.

Lisa Kirk

Dr. Lisa Kirk is Principal Geochemist and President of Enviromin, Inc., a consultancy specializing in microbial and environmental geochemistry, as well as the application of biotechnology to the management of mined materials and water resources.Dr. Kirk is also Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering of Montana State University and serves as Mining Outreach Coordinator for the MSU Center for Biofilm Engineering. She was a graduate fellow of the Inland Northwest Research Alliance, the Montana Water Center, and the U.S EPA Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program. For over 25 years, she has conducted environmental geochemistry investigations and surface water management projects throughout the United States, and in Canada, South America, Australia and Africa. Her research is focused on the subsurface microbial ecology of mine waste, with a goal of developing operational strategies for in situ source control. In 2014, Lisa and her husband Allan were privileged to serve as mentors to the MSU chapter of Engineers Without Borders in Khwisero, Kenya, where they worked to develop and protect supplies of clean water. Dr. Kirk’s work feeds her passion for innovation in the sustainable production of mineral resources at the industrial/academic interface. The mother of two grown daughters raised in the Gallatin Valley, Meghan and Molly, Lisa makes her home with Allan and their cats in downtown Bozeman. She loves to ski and travel.

Josh & Kathy Lockie

We own and run a local Bozeman business called Lockie Photography (est. 1999). We primarly specialize in photographing weddings, and spend half of each year in Bozeman (where we're from), and half in Scottsdale Arizona, which allows us to focus on weddings all year round. Josh studied at Montana State University and has a degree in both Photography and Business. Kathy joined Lockie Photography full time in 2010, and while her background is more on the business side, they both photograph full time together.

Karen McNenny

Karen McNenny has had a diverse career path, stretching from her days performing as an actress and dancer, to hocking souvenirs at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. She currently works throughout the country as a professional speaker, group facilitator and personal coach. Before starting her own business, Made You Think Consulting, she worked as a master trainer & facilitator for Providence Health and Services; the largest healthcare system in the Northwest. Karen’s areas of expertise include employee engagement, leadership development, and transforming workplace culture. Her recent clients have included Spokane International Airport, The Department of Public Health and Human Services, The Department of Labor, and the YMCA of Los Angeles.
After studying media and theater arts at Montana State University, Karen completed her graduate studies as a Rotary International Scholar at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, England. Karen has continued developing her skills through training with the Disney Institute, the Baptist Healthcare Leadership Institute and the Kaufmann Foundation for Entrepreneurs. She also trained with the Center for Ethical Leadership, earning her certification as a Gracious Space Facilitator. Karen has a unique talent of weaving her skills as a storyteller and performer with relevant and meaningful content.
Karen currently lives in her hometown of Missoula, Montana where she also holds the glamorous position of Domestic Diva, serving her two young children. When she is not out transforming the world of work and community, she can be found at home melting cheese on something and wielding a sharp butter knife.

Dan Moshavi

Dan is a Professor of Management in the Barowsky School of Business at Dominican University of California (DUC). Dan previously served as dean of the business schools at both DUC and Montana State University and as a management professor at Montana State and San Jose State universities.
Dan’s teaching, research and consulting focuses on leadership, high performance teams, change management, and attitudes and emotions in the workplace. He has consulted for a variety of private sector firms, including several social enterprise and health care organizations, as well as universities and municipalities. He has been a faculty member in an executive master’s program at the University of Lugano in Switzerland and has served as a research fellow with the Nemours Center for Medical Leadership.
A dynamic presenter and skilled facilitator with a background in improvisational theater, Dan has won more than a dozen teaching and presentation-related awards during his career. Prior to his academic and consulting career, he spent 10 years in industry in marketing and public relations.
Dan received his Ph.D. in management from the University of Oregon as well as master's and bachelor's degrees from George Washington University in Washington DC.

Sasha Joseph Neulinger

Sasha Joseph Neulinger (B.F.A. in Film Production at Montana State University) is the co-founder and Head of Production at Step 1 Films. He has worked behind the scenes on National Geographic’s award winning series, “America, The Wild” as an editing assistant and production assistant. At Step 1 Films, he has produced, directed, and edited multiple commercial videos for various corporate clients, including Simms Fishing Products and Wisetail, among others. He is currently directing his first feature length documentary, “Rewind To Fast-Forward,” an autobiographical film about his life surviving multigenerational sexual abuse. Sasha also travels nationally as a public speaker, advocating for reforms in child advocacy and child abuse prevention.

John Scannella

John Scannella was born in Queens, New York and fell in love with dinosaurs at an early age. He received a bachelor's degree in Geological Sciences from Rutgers University and is completing a Ph.D. in the Department of Earth Sciences at Montana State University. Since 2006, he has been involved in the Hell Creek Project, a multi-institutional exploration of the end of the Age of Dinosaurs in Montana and surrounding areas which was spearheaded by the Museum of the Rockies. John's research focuses on the growth and evolution of the famous horned dinosaur Triceratops and its relatives. In 2010, he and Jack Horner proposed that the horned dinosaur Torosaurus actually represents the mature growth stage of Triceratops. When he is not digging up new specimens of Triceratops in the field, he is studying the details of this dinosaur's anatomy at the Museum of the Rockies and other institutions. John is passionate about deciphering dinosaur evolution and sharing the excitement and importance of paleontology with the public.

Heather McPhie

Heather McPhie grew up skiing with her family in Bozeman, MT and has always loved the mountains. In her first year on the Bridger Freestyle Ski Team, Heather competed in every mogul competition and despite rarely making it through a run without falling down, she fell completely in love with her sport.
Almost ten years later in 2005, Heather qualified for the US Freestyle Ski Team and became known for a diligent work ethic, which gained her respect as well as a shot at the top of the podium.
In 2010, her work with a mental strength coach, combined with continued efforts on and off the hill, launched her from 27th to 2nd in the world in less than four months. Using these new mental skills, Heather earned her first World Cup podiums and punched a ticket to her debut Olympic Games in Vancouver.
Heather became the first mogul skier to pick up a Red Bull sponsorship and used her new wings to soar to 9 additional World Cup podiums, bringing her current total to fifteen. She took home the U.S. National Title in both 2012 and 2013 and finished the season ranked in the top five internationally for the past five years, including three Grand Prix podiums.
Last year, Heather reached a pinnacle goal, becoming the first woman to compete back-full and d-spin together at World Championships in Voss, Norway and at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi made history by performing this difficult air package.

Kerry Williams

Kerry Williams began her work in early childhood advocacy over twenty years ago. In 2003, the Children’s Defense Fund awarded Kerry an Emerging Leaders Fellowship. She was chosen by the state DPHHS office to facilitate the creation of Montana’s Early Learning Guidelines, which she then presented to audiences across Montana. Kerry has also testified in front of the Montana state legislature on the positive economic impacts of childcare subsidies. As an Early Learning Specialist, she has taught educators and other professionals about the latest early childhood research and brain development findings. Kerry received an Early Childhood Service Award from the Montana Association for the Education of Young Children in 2005. Currently she is in an “on” phase of off-and-on stay-at-home parenting, which has been her dominant occupation for the past decade. Most recently, Kerry was a Children’s Librarian at the Bozeman Public Library, coordinating the ReachOut:Storytime program, which pairs volunteer readers with area child care centers, and conducting Books & Babies and Storytimes. Kerry is married to a 5th generation Montanan, and has lived in Bozeman since 1996. She and her husband Spencer are raising two boys, ages 11 and 7, under the Big Sky. Kerry holds a master’s degree in Child and Family Sciences from Montana State University and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature from Middlebury College.

Christian Parrish

As a member of the “Apsaalooke Nation,” Supaman makes his home on the Crow reservation in Montana. The name “Supaman” hardly describes the person who is Christian Takes Gun Parrish, a humble Native American dancer and hip hop artist who has dedicated his life to empowering youth and educating listeners with a message of hope through culture and music. He is a young energetic entrepreneur with tremendous leadership abilities. His presentation style and delivery are nothing short of captivating. Known for his tremendously powerful inspirational lyrics, he is in demand nationally with the purpose of spreading a positive message throughout Indian country and abroad. He has been the recipient of the Nama “Native American Music Award,” “North American Indigenous Image Award,” and seven “Tunney Awards.” He recently was awarded The Aboriginal People Choice Music Award for best video and was voted MTV’s new Artist of the Week! His latest video titled “Prayer Loop Song” has gone viral and has received over a half a million views on YouTube, which has allowed him to tour extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally. He is currently in the works with Nickelodeon to film a show of his life on the road as a Native artist.
Christian’s presentation combines Native American culture, humor, and urban hip hop culture, which dazzles audiences, captivates listeners, and breaks down stereotypes. For this has has gained the respect of his culture and generation. He is a champion fancy dancer traveling extensively on the powwow circuit throughout the U.S. and Canada and lives a drug and alcohol free life. Last year he was selected to dance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. He also is an aspiring comedian and a Native American Flute player, which adds to his uniqueness as a role model, not to mention a loving husband and father of three. The communicative talent along with the compassion that exudes from his life allows him to connect with people from all walks of life. His uncanny ability to motivate, encourage, and inspire through dance, humor, and music keeps him at the forefront among his contemporaries.

Ranges in Motion

Ranges is Motion is comprised of three local Bozeman dancers; Michelle Kolodin, Erin Levy and Deann Snyder. The three met during their involvement with IndepenDANCE.

Michelle Kolodin

Michelle Kolodin trained in classical ballet at the Los Angeles Ballet Academy (LABA) under the direction of Andrea Paris. She received numerous principal roles and attended some of the most elite ballet schools in the world including The Royal Ballet School Covent Garden, The Harid Conservatory, The Washington School of Ballet, and the American Academy of Ballet, to name a few. After a brief stint away from the dance world, Michelle continued her dance education at Santa Monica College with a focus in modern and contemporary dance. During this time she also performed with Synapse Dance Theater. Michelle is currently Associate Faculty at the Montana Ballet Academy and a Real Estate Agent at ERA Landmark.

Erin Levy

Erin Levy Trained at Nutmeg Conservatory and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. She danced with Eglevsky Ballet & Blue Muse Dance Project (Semi-Pro NY dance companies). She has an associates degree in Jewelry Design from FIT in NY and a BFA in Metalsmithing with a minor in small business from MSU. Erin currently teach Ballet at MSDT, committee member of IndepenDANCE, and the manager of Riddles Jewelry in Bozeman.

Deann Snyder

Deann Snyder is from Missoula and is currently a graduate student at MSU in the Microbiology and Immunology Department. She has been an active member of the IndepenDANCE Committee for 2 years. Dean also teaches and takes class at Main Street Dance Theater!

Kaito Irizarry and Mike Cichon

Kaito Irizarry and Mike Cichon are violinists from Bozeman, Montana. Both violinists were classically trained before branching out into other genres. Kaito likes to experiment with mixing genres creating fusion in the pieces he performs while Mike likes to add flavor to his music with an electric violin twist. Combined, these two musicians bring out the art and style in this new orchestral era.

Team

We are TEDxBozeman

Brooke Leugers

Licensee & Event Director

Brooke Leugers originated as the Executive Coordinator of TEDxBozeman in its founding year of 2012 and took over as license holder in 2013. She along with other TEDx organizers helps steer the growing worldwide community of TED by believing in the power of sharing ideas.
Raised in the Rocky Mountains near Carbondale, Colorado Brooke moved to Montana in 2000. Experienced in marketing and public relations, she has been a director of the nation’s largest action sports film festival, X-Dance, which has taken place each year parallel to Sundance in Salt Lake City. With X-Dance, Brooke Coordinated featured filmmakers & athletes throughout the festival, orchestrated screenings, event guest lists, media affiliates and the televised award ceremony. In addition, she has experience as the sales and events director for multiple five star resorts, where she continues to create an environment conductive for profitability by fostering guest and staff relations.
With a passion for life, she enjoys being outdoors in the God’s country and spending time with family and friends. She likes to escape to nearby lakes and rivers, as well as spend time on the ranch with her husband and two dogs by her side.

Ken Fichtler

Co-Founder

Ken Fichtler is the co-founder of TEDxBozeman. He is a serial entrepreneur, marketing professional and investor. After conversations in 2011, Ken and Danny Schotthoefer founded TEDxBozeman under license from TED.com. They were responsible for assembling the initial team, leading the strategic direction for the event, finding community support and recruiting speakers. Ken was also the sponsorship coordinator for the first three years of the event but has since transitioned those responsibilities to Cece Harris. He now provides high-level strategic oversight of the event and organization.

Cece Harris

Sponsorship Coordinator

Cece Harris has been fortunate enough to call Bozeman, Montana home for the past 10 years. After attending the University of Utah for graduate school and spending time living in Dublin, Ireland, Cece realized that Bozeman, Montana was where she wanted to set down roots. Cece has a wide variety of professional experiences including several years in hospitality and event management, human resources, and working closely with the quickly-growing startup scene in Bozeman. Currently Cece works in client experience for a technology startup in Bozeman.
Cece is passionate about her community and when she’s not working she spends time volunteering for TEDxBozeman as well as a number of other non-profits. Cece believes strongly that events like TEDxBozeman showcase the world-class talent that chooses to call Montana home.

David Samollow

Video Producer

David Samollow grew up in a science oriented family and became interested in film and global communication at an early age. In 2009, he completed a bachelor’s degree in Radio, Television, and Film from the University of North Texas. Shortly after receiving his degree, David became a founding member of Texas based production company Memories Films and branding/advertising company Square 205. Since then he has worked as producer, editor, assistant director, and director of photography on numerous commercial videos and short and feature length films. He is currently completing a masters degree in the Science and Natural History Filmmaking program at Montana State University. He firmly believes using film as a tool to communicate the wonders of science.

Dylan Weber

PR & Marketing Coordinator

Originally from Grand Junction, CO, Dylan is now a sophomore at Montana State University, studying marketing. He enjoys everyday class as well as extra curricular activities such as internships and clubs. Dylan loves the perks of living in a place like Bozeman, making time for skiing, camping, and biking.

Ethan Hall

Website Facilitator

Ethan Hall is a Montana State University sohpomore, studying computer science and computer engineering. He was attracted to Bozeman for the mountain biking and skiing. Having been interested in web services from a young age, he has been managing websites for a few years. Ethan spends his summers lifeguarding and also volunteers as a licensed EMT. He currently works at the Blackstone LaunchPad at Montana State University.

Lindsay Morse

Copywriter

Lindsay Morse is a Bozeman native who initially discovered TED Talks in the dorms of Whitman College when she moved away for school. After graduating college, Lindsay returned to the area and was thrilled to hear talk of establishing Montana’s first TEDx event. She immediately signed up to volunteer with TEDxBozeman during the initial planning phases in 2011. If you've attended the event in the past, Lindsay has been one of the smiling faces there to greet you at registration. She also serves as the team's official copywriter, in charge of writing and editing press releases, PSAs, website content, and program brochures. As a member of the core team for TEDxBozeman, Lindsay also provides assistance with marketing, speaker selection, and general event-day logistics.

Maddie Cebuhar

Speaker Coordinator

Officially, my role as Speaker Coordinator involves organizing the activities, preparation, and schedules of our presenter lineup. However, the best part about my position is bringing people and ideas together to watch the collaboration and passion that unfolds. Year after year, each set of presenters brings a unique flavor and energy to the entire experience. I love having such a diverse and intimate connection with this part of our community, and the program has definitely helped me better appreciate and understand the true potential of our small Montana town.
While I love most outdoor activities, Duke basketball, and cuddling with puppies, I have an underlying passion for organization and planning. I graduated in December 2014 from MSU with a degree in Business Management and Marketing, and I currently work as the Director of Marketing for a local scientific research equipment company. My goal is to always be involved in something inspiring and engaging, living life by my own little personal mantra: grounded by my family, stimulated by my ambitions.

Maria Phelps

Social Media

A Montana native, wife and mom, Maria keeps a busy ‘day life’. When she’s not homeschooling her 2 kids, riding horses, cross country skiing, or hunting, she is networking and helping businesses grow to their full potential by teaching them how to take the steps needed to accomplish goals and move past barriers. Maria graduated, with honors, from Colorado Technical University with a Bachelors in Business Management and Marketing and pursued her dream of helping others succeed. With the start of her business in 2012, Find it Montana and Find it Marketing, she created a platform to help people connect, communicate, collaborate and retain. Developing lifelong relationships that continue to build on each other.
Maria is a Montana Ambassador, which is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization of leaders in business, education, and the professions with a common dedication to living and doing business in Montana and to furthering the best interests of the state. At the pleasure of the Governor, its members act as official Ambassadors of the State of Montana. Maria is also a Director for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, the 2014 President of Flathead Area Young Professionals and works to strengthen the professional development in the Flathead valley, Northwest Montana and beyond. “My vision is to help Montana small businesses, entrepreneurs, the Montana communities and visitors to Montana, live here, work here, build here and continue to LOVE Montana, wherever they call home.” Maria is also developing Marketplace Montana, a cohesive online marketplace for Montana businesses which will launch spring 2015.
Follow Maria on Twitter @FinditMontana and @FinditMarketing

Nick Hill

Technical Director

Nick Hill is a student of the Master of Fine Art Natural Science and History Filmmaking graduate program at Montana State University. Nick is currently in his first year of the program; and he really enjoys the convergence of scientific principles with the artistry of visual communication and documentary film. Nick also has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Oregon Institute of Technology, with minors in both Biology and Human Communication. Additionally, Nick has 5 years of experience working in a public access television studio, filling various roles ranging from camera operator to technical director. Nick was born in Colorado, but he grew up in Klamath Falls, Oregon; a small town located about as far south of Portland as you can get and still be within state lines. While Oregon will always be home, Nick has enjoyed the short amount of time he has spent in Bozeman so far. Nick has really enjoyed working with the TEDxBozeman team, and looks forward to working with them again in the future.

Rick Fink

Volunteer Coordinator

Rick grew up in a small ranching town in Montana, eventually leaving it for the “big city” of Bozeman to attend Montana State University. He graduated MSU-Bozeman with both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degree with a local government emphasis. He quickly adopted Bozeman as his second hometown, and has chosen to remain here ever since.
He believes that creating opportunities for people to connect with others is the best way to enrich lives, both for himself and the others.
He has been active with TEDxBozeman since its inaugural year, and cherishes every opportunity play a part in bringing this fantastic event to Bozeman, and Montana.
He currently works for the City of Bozeman, is active in its startup community, and jumps at any chance to volunteer for projects that pique his interest and give him a chance to learn something new.

Ryan Walters

Set & Interior Design Coordinator

Ryan Walters moved to Bozeman to find an education in the outdoors. Hailing from Jackson, Wy he has developed a lifelong passion for living and playing in the mountains. Ryan attended MSU's School of Architecture, going to school in the summer and skiing all winter. Currently he works at a local design firm, MFGR designs, and helps operate a ski company in Bozeman, Caravan skis. Ryan joined the TEDxBozeman team in 2013 as the stage set coordinator, looking forward to it every year as fun creative opportunity.

Sponsors

These are the businesses that make TEDxBozeman possible.

About TEDx

What is TED and TEDx?

About TEDx

x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

About TED

TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a conference in California 26 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with many initiatives.
At a TED conference, the world's leading thinkers and doers are asked to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes or less. TED speakers have included Roger Ebert, Sheryl Sandberg, Bill Gates, Elizabeth Gilbert, Benoit Mandelbrot, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Brian Greene, Isabel Allende and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Three major TED events are held each year: The TED Conference takes place every spring in Vancouver, Canada, simultaneous with TEDActive, in Whistler, BC; and the TEDGlobal Conference takes place each summer in Edinburgh, Scotland.
On TED.com, talks from TED conferences are shared with the world for free as TED Talks videos. A new TED Talk is posted every weekday. Through the Open Translation Project, TED Talks are subtitled by volunteers worldwide into more than 90 languages. Through our distribution networks, TED Talks are shared on TV, radio, Netflix and many websites.
The TEDx initiative grants free licenses to people around the world to organize TED-style events in their communities with TED Talks and live speakers. More than 5,000 TEDx events have been held, and selected talks from these events are also turned into TED Talks videos.
The annual TED Prize grants $1 million to an exceptional individual with a wish to change the world. The TED Fellows program helps world-changing innovators from around the globe to become part of the TED community and, with its help, amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities. TED-Ed creates short video lessons by pairing master teachers with animators, for use in classroom instruction or independent learning.
For information about TED's upcoming conferences, visit http://www.ted.com/registration
Follow TED on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TEDTalks, or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TED